Letters: Community's kindness doesn't go unnoticed

To the editor:

We want to thank the citizens of Everly for your true Iowa spirit demonstrated by your acceptance and kindness to a stranger.

I am referring to a recent member of your community, Steve Slater. Steve was a cousin to my husband, Gerry. Steve passed away in June and is now a resident of heaven.

Steve lived in New Hampshire for many years and fought the crowds and the rat race traffic on a daily basis.

Four years ago, Steve spent his vacation with us. He loved the rural atmosphere, the friendliness that was expressed by the guys he met at the coffee klatches he joined at HyVee, the Royal Café and Ira’s Barber Shop. He so enjoyed and valued the conversation and camaraderie of the time spent and the friendships that were fostered there.

Over the next couple of years he continued to visit often, becoming more familiar with family members he was getting to know, relaxing and gladly becoming the “go-to guy” for anyone with computer problems – he was a whiz kid with electronics – as he was a senior systems engineer with Dell Computers for 35 years.

He decided to live here and retire here. He was so happy about moving here and was contented.

He was flattered when asked to join the Everly library board and did all he was asked to and more. He always wanted to help others. He had a heart as big as all outdoors and was the kindest, most compassionate person I’ve ever known.

Gerry and I want to thank the citizens of Everly for being his friend, trusting the new kid in town and respecting him for who he was. He was like a brother to us. We miss him every day and love him always.

He loved it here in Everly, his home, his neighbors, the quiet and visiting with friends at The Ranch.

Thank you. Rest in peace, Steve.

Gerry and Katy Johnson,

Spencer